Intra-individual variability in ancient plasmodium DNA recovery highlights need for enhanced sampling

Ancient malaria, modern insights.

A study published earlier this year reveals intra-individual variability in recovering ancient Plasmodium falciparum DNA — changing how researchers approach pathogen sampling from skeletal remains.

Using a custom myBaits kit from Daicel Arbor Biosciences, the team captured a 43x complete mitochondrial genome from a Roman-era individual — the first ever from Classical antiquity. 

The results support an Indian origin of malaria in Europe and emphasize the need for enhanced sampling strategies in ancient DNA research.